Menu
Cartagena has much to offer. Castles, beaches, a wealth of beautiful remnants from a distant past, festivals, and numerous evidences of a rich industrial heritage. This time, however, we are focusing on the annual festivals. Here is an overview of Cartagena: a year in festivals.
MU Dance Festival is 6 days in March. With many open-air performances spread across the city and some indoor shows in the Circo theatre. The modern dances are performed by local, regional and international groups. Expect a mix of theatrical, comic and lyrical performances.
Magic arts can be admired during three days in April during many street shows. This Magic festival attracts a large audience every year. On the closing night there is a gala performance with renowned magic acts.
Museum Night, always around May 18th, has become one of the most popular events in the city. The 2024 edition attracted more than 50,000 visitors for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Expect exhibitions, but also music, drama, and dance in the streets.
Cartagena Folk is a three-day festival held annually in June. It is free. Venue: Park de la Rambla. There is also a market with crafts and food from all over the world.
Weekend DJ Festival on a Saturday in June. This free gathering on the promenade near the harbor attracts large crowds of (mainly) young people, as well as an increasing number of internationally renowned DJs.
Rock Imperium is for rock and heavy metal enthusiasts. At the end of June, Park El Batel is the place where famous acts like Saxon and Judas Priest, as well as lesser-known rock acts, perform. The festival lasts for 3, and sometimes 4, days. Visitors can stay at a campsite nearby, with free shuttle buses running to the festival.
La Mar de Músicas focuses primarily on world music. Each year, artists from a specific country are contracted, who make up the majority of the program. But during the 9 days in the second half of July, around 50 acts from all corners, especially Africa and Latin America, perform on various stages throughout the city.
The Habaneras Festival in August is a mini version of the international musical event of the same name in Torrevieja. The choir groups usually come from the region. Appropriately, the songs with a maritime character are sung on the coast at Cabo de Palos.
As part of the annual colorful festivities of the Carthaginians and Romans, the Estrella de Levante pop festival holds a special place. For three days in September, acts from various genres perform. The venue is the promenade near the La Rambla shopping center.
The Jazz Festival in November is spread over about three weeks. Spanish, as well as renowned international jazz acts, perform both outdoors (sometimes for free) and in theaters. Many concerts are held in the El Batel auditorium.
International Film Festival in December. First held in 1972, it initially focused solely on a maritime theme. Since 2005, it has expanded significantly, featuring short films, feature films, and works by young filmmakers from the Murcia region. In addition to screenings, there are also workshops, short film courses, and exhibitions.
P.S. We will provide more detailed coverage of the futuristic Mucho Mas Mayo Festival later.
